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Analysis: Experience will help Broncos through this rut

Broncos quarterback Chris Simms gets roughed up by the Washington Redskins on Sunday in a difficult relief assignment for Denver.
(Joe Amon, The Denver Post
)

There is reason for concern. Reason for doubt.

But there is also one major reason to believe these 2009 Broncos won't collapse as did the 2008 Broncos — experience.

Last year's team was one of the NFL's youngest. In all, 12 rookies played. And the Broncos' four best offensive players — Ryan Clady, Eddie Royal, Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall — were either rookies or young and inexperienced at winning.

This year's Broncos are one of the league's oldest teams. Players don't get old unless they've persevered. Older players don't get quite as carried away in victory or demoralized by defeat.

Kyle Orton, Correll Buckhalter, Brian Dawkins, Andre' Goodman and Andra Davis have had their butt kicked before and rebounded to the point where they eventually got it kicked again. It's how it goes.

"We've taken on some adversity," Dawkins said as he walked toward the team bus after the team's 27-17 upset loss Sunday to the Washington Redskins. "If you can get through adversity, it will strengthen you. It will form a thicker bond. I know we'll be fine, because I completely believe in the guys we have in that locker room."

Thing is, if these veterans are to halt this season from collapsing, they probably have to stop it Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. Young or old, Broncos players have a daunting challenge.